FA Cup cash won’t affect Pompey focus

Steve Wilson

Pompey will not be distracted from their promotion priority this season, according to Paul Cook.

The Blues entertain Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup second round today (3pm) with the potential of a third-round glamour tie up for grabs.

But while Cook is eager to see his side progress and wants to land a high-profile tie in round three, he is determined to strike the right balance and knows how he will be judged at the end of the campaign.

He said: ‘I know the league is my bread and butter and I will be judged on that at the end of the season.

‘It will be all about our final position in the league table rather than “well, we got to the fourth round of the FA Cup and got knocked out by Derby or Brighton but missed on the play-offs”.

‘I think there is a balance.

‘It’s a great competition and we want to get through.

‘But promotion is very much our target.’

A victory would earn Pompey another £27,000 just in prize money, after already banking £18,000 from the first-round win.

And that financial injection could add a useful boost to the coffers and to Cook’s playing budget.

But he has shrugged off the financial implications.

He said: ‘My job is not to bring finance to the club. My job is to deliver success.

‘I don’t get involved in the nuts and bolts of the finances.

‘We would love to get through with the hope of getting a Premier League side to give our fans a good day.